Melbourne – The train strike that threatened grand final week has been called off after the Rail, Tram and Bus Union and Metro Trains came to an agreement on key terms in their pay dispute.
TRAIN drivers and ticket inspectors have hit a pay jackpot after clinching a new deal to end a six month wage and conditions battle.
An average train driver will now be paid $143,600 and a ticket inspector will cash in $98,797 with superannuation on top.
Station officers, including those who announce late trains and sell Mykis, will also get a beefed up pay packet with their wage jumping to $98,797 plus superannuation.
It is understood the deal was a 14 per cent increase with a 3 per cent sign on bonus over three years.
A Metro spokesman promised an end to strike action following the deal.
“We have reached an agreement in principle for a new Rail Operations Enterprise Agreement.
“Following intensive negotiations with the RTBU this week, we are pleased all the industrial action proposed for next week has been called off.”
Discussions restarted at 10.30am on Friday and looked set to drag into next week before a deal was struck just before 8pm.